Chelsea vs Arsenal: Combined XI

Arsene Wenger prepares to take on Jose Mourinho againTwo sides searching for consistency and desperate for points square off on Saturday afternoon as Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Both sides have made relatively slow starts to this campaign. Chelsea, reigning champions, who are in the middle of their worst start ever since 1988, currently sit in 17th spot with a goal difference of -5. However, they did pull it together in Europe against Maccabi Tel Aviv, finally producing a convincing performance, albeit against a relatively weak opposition.Arsenal, on the other hand, have blown hot and cold. Victory against Stoke raised them into the top 4 of the table, but that was followed up by an absolute horror show at Zagreb, where they slipped to a miserable 2-1 defeat.Mourinho has always had Wenger’s number. But it was the Frenchman who came out triumphant from their last meeting in the Community Shield, although many would consider that as a friendly. Wenger has few other positives when it comes to playing against the Special One. On that note let’s take a look at the combined XI from both teams in a 4-5-1 formation. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect those of the website

#1 Goalkeeper

Petr Cech will be key to Arsenal’s chances

After a shocking first couple of games, Petr Cech has found his form and makes the cut. Producing his best performance in an Arsenal shirt in their biggest game to date against Liverpool has raised his confidence. He followed that up with a clean sheet against Stoke City. With Thibaut Courtois injured, Cech was always going to be the obvious choice.

As Arsenal’s only marquee signing this season, he has a lot to live up to. Having been rested on the trip to Zagreb, Cech will be expected to feature on Saturday and his performance could be a key factor in determining the outcome of the match. Having kept three clean sheets in five appearances and averaging almost 4 saves a game there is no doubt Cech is back to his best.

It will be interesting to see the fans’ reaction to their hero as he makes his return to Stamford Bridge. Will Cech be able to shake off his initial nerves and put in a decent performance?

#2 Defence

Laurent Koscielny (L) and Hector Bellerin

The right-back’s position is of huge interest as it is contested by four different players – two from either side. Mathieu Debuchy did not have a great game against Dinamo Zagreb and hence will not be expected to feature. That leaves Hector Bellerin, Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta in the mix.

Ivanovic has had a very poor start to the season, but he is a big game player and was one of Chelsea’s best players last season. Being left out against Maccabi in midweek could be the tonic he needs. On the other hand, Bellerin has been in fine form. His attacking runs and crosses into the box have caused opponents huge problems and his pace in tracking back only increases his stance. On current form, Hector Bellerin gets the nod.

The two centre-back slots are relatively easier to fill. One would definitely go to Laurent Koscielny, by far Arsenal’s best defender for the past few seasons. He has had a decent start to this season as well, making several key blocks and interceptions. At fault for the second Zagreb goal, he would be keen to put it out of his mind as quickly as possible and produce a solid performance.

The other centre-back slot is a toss up between Gary Cahill and John Terry. But the ex-England captain gets the go ahead just due to experience and the sheer magnitude of the fixture. Another player struggling for consistency, this would be the perfect time for Terry to step up and prove that he still has what it takes.

Cesar Azpilicueta slots in at left-back. Azpilicueta is not known for his crunching tackles or dangerous crosses into the box. However, he is quite effective in the left back role. Having been preferred to Ashley Cole, Ryan Bertrand and Filipe Luis, Azpilicueta has firmly cemented his place in the Chelsea lineup and is one of the first names on the team sheet.

John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta

#3 Midfield

Francis Coquelin

The holding midfielder position goes to Francis Coquelin, who has been in sublime form ever since being recalled from his loan spell at Charlton. His ball-winning ability and interceptions have been a key factor in Arsenal securing third place last season and will be key in their battle for the title this season. The only player of real steel in the Arsenal line up, Coquelin will be required to deal wth the runs of Eden Hazard as well as Oscar in midfield.

The left wing brings us to a battle between Alexis Sanchez and Eden Hazard. A hugely disappointing season till date, Hazard seems to have run out of steam after his exploits last season which included 14 goals. Another poor showing against Tel Aviv, including a missed penalty, could have severely dented his confidence going into Saturday’s match.

Eden Hazard

A player of such immense talent such as Alexis can never be left out of any side. He too has been kept relatively quiet with no goals or assists to his name this campaign. But Eden Hazard wins the battle due to his superior attacking abilities. Capable of turning a match in an instant, Mourinho will be hoping Hazard finds his feet if Chelsea are to have any chance of coming out on top and fighting their way back into the top 4.

Moving to the right wing, we have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who has been hitting his stride this season. Another player who threw in a below par performance against Zagreb, the Ox would be looking to silence his critics with a better show against his local rivals. Blessed with raw pace similar to Theo Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain is a handful for any left back and, along with Bellerin, forms a lethal combination on the right flank. Capable of unleashing from long range as well, Chelsea had better be wary of his presence.

Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

In central midfield, it is a toss up between a few players with Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil and Oscar all vying for two spots. One of the positions goes to the German. Mesut Ozil has been a much-improved player from last season and has been heavily involved in most of Arsenal’s goals this season.

With two assists from four games, he would be looking to get off the mark in the goals scored category and no better place to start than Stamford Bridge. Ozil brings a calmness and guile along with immense skill to the Arsenal midfield which will be required to break down the Chelsea defence.

The other position is filled by Oscar, who showed glimpses of coming back into form against Tel Aviv. His work-rate, vision and range of passing could cause a nervy Arsenal defence plenty of problems.

Oscar

#4 Striker

Theo Walcott

On most occasions, Diego Costa would be the preferred option up front – especially when the other contenders are Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott. But not this time. Costa has just not been able to find the form of last season and has struggled to keep hold of the ball, let alone manufacture chances to score.

Giroud is in a similar basket. Booed by French fans following his substitution, he subsequently got himself sent off against Zagreb after two yellow cards in the first half. This leaves the spot open to Theo Walcott.

Not an out-and-out striker, by any means, Walcott though has shown glimpses of his best along with his worst. Two goals in his last two games though hold him in good stead. His blistering pace is a weapon against any defence and Walcott’s movement will be key if Arsenal are to be able to break through the Chelsea backline.

He cannot afford to pass up opportunities like the ones he did against Stoke if he is to keep his place in the Arsenal lineup.

Substitutes: Begovic, Cahill, Mertesacker, Matic, Cazorla, Alexis, Costa